The Symptoms and Troubles of Premenstrual Syndrome Can Differ For Each Woman

The menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of your period and is the time when the lining of the uterus sheds. Ultimately, the menstrual cycle is a part of a woman's reproductive system and prepares the body for a potential pregnancy.

With that said, there is something that occurs in many women right before their menstrual cycle begins called premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, is a combination of symptoms that is common among women about one or two weeks before the cycle begins. In fact, PMS is so common that about 90% of women report that they experience some form of symptoms of PMS.

This article is going to focus on common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, what causes PMS, and tips to alleviate discomfort.

Common Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS has distinct symptoms that usually begin one to two weeks before the menstrual cycle starts. These symptoms come in a wide variety and the number of symptoms that women experience varies. It's important to note that symptoms can be emotional and behavioral, physical, or a mix of both. Here are some PMS symptoms to know.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Changes in Libido
• Appetite changes and food cravings
• Joint or muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Acne flare-up
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Weight gain or fluid retention

Symptoms for PMS can range from very mild to extremely severe depending on the individual. However, regardless of the severity of your symptoms, they should subside within four days or so.

It's important to note that only a small percentage of women will have severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. This form of PMS is called PMDD and these symptoms are usually associated with depression, mood swings, anger, anxiety, and irritability.

What Causes PMS?

For women, understanding the source of what's causing their PMS is the first step in alleviating their symptoms. Three main factors cause PMS. They include: 

• Cyclic Changes in the Hormones: It's not uncommon for your symptoms of PMS to change as your hormones fluctuate month-to-month. Additionally, if you're pregnant or going through menopause, your symptoms will disappear.
• Chemical Changes in the Brain: Your PMS symptoms will change if you experience chemical changes in the brain such as a fluctuation of serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a critical role in our moods. If an individual doesn't have enough serotonin, it's possible to experience PMS symptoms such as depression, fatigue, food cravings, and problems with sleep.
• Depression: In some cases, women who experience severe symptoms of PMS may have undiagnosed depression. If you believe you might be depressed, be sure to reach out to a trusted physician for help.

Tips to Alleviate Discomfort

There are plenty of options available to help women who experience mild to severe PMS alleviate discomfort. 

One simple way to alleviate some physical symptoms of PMS is to take over-the-counter pain medication. These medications can be very effective in managing symptoms. Just be sure to follow the bottle as instructed and consult with your doctor if you have an allergy to one of the potential painkillers or have asthma.

Exercise is a great way to reduce the emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with PMS. Exercising can boost your mood by releasing additional pleasure hormones. Additionally, this increase can reduce the pain that you might feel during PMS.

If your symptoms are more severe and you find that it's difficult to perform regular activities, consider a heating pad. The heat can help relax your muscles and ultimately reduce joint and muscle pain associated with PMS.

Premenstrual syndrome is a common occurrence among women. Symptoms might be mild and barely noticeable to more severe symptoms that prevent regular activity. PMS is a normal part of the menstrual process for most women. However, there are options if PMS brings too much discomfort.